Cook Islands had a 6-5 lead after 27 minutes in the Fijian capital Suva, but were then overwhelmed in the final Oceania qualifying region match as the hosts scored 17 tries, including 13 in the second half.

When Fiji reached 90 points, they inflicted on the world’s 46th-ranked side their heaviest ever international defeat.

Fiji captain Akapusi Qera said: “It was a big game for us as a team and as a nation. It’s a big thing for a rugby player growing up to qualify for the Rugby World Cup and that’s what motivated us in the second half.”

The fifth and final Pool A place at the 2015 tournament will be decided in a repechage, which is almost at the semi-final stage.

Russia are awaiting the outcome of the Africa Cup qualifying competition, which takes place from 28 June to 6 July and involves hosts Madagascar, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The African event winners will fill the last place in Pool B in 2015, taking on holders New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga and Georgia. Russia will face the runners-up of the African qualifiers in the repechage last four.

Hong Kong are scheduled to meet Uruguay in the other semi-final, but dates have yet to be confirmed for those qualifier knockout games.

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